The cave spider (Meta menardi) is part of the long-jawed spider (Tetragnathidae) family and is of one of 955 species of long-jawed spider known throughout the world. While itself only occurring throughout Europe, northern Asia, northern Africa, and the north and central parts of the Middle East, it spends its life in caves, cellars, mines with a medium level of humidity and a constant temperature above 7 Celsius (45 Fahrenheit).

Although it builds a web up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) wide, this spider has adapted to life underground and no longer relies on its web to catch its food. It spends its time hunting near the walls of a cave, preying upon woodlice, beetles, centipedes, millipedes, overwintering butterflies and moths and other small animals.

During their two to three-year lifespan, males grow to between 11-13 millimeters (0.4 – 0.5 inches) and females to between 14 to 17 millimeters (0.5 – 0.7 inches).

Cooperation between cavers and researchers is crucial to learn more about underground habitats as researchers are often reliant on local knowledge and expertise from cavers in gain access to the underground ecosystems.